No, it didn’t always house a pharmacy
It has been a gas station, moonshine dispensary, wool store and medical clinic
The building that is now home to Remedy’s RX Pharmacy in Buckhorn has been many things over the years.
It has been transitioning for many years, waiting for this most needed business. This business has been in Buckhorn for 30 years, operated by owner/manager Amish Pathak. When it opened in 1992, the medical clinic was half of the building. The medical clinic was being constructed so it shared the facilities with the pharmacy.
The importance of communication with the community and the medical staff is paramount and part of the education of a pharmacist.
Upon arrival in Canada at the age of eight,Pathak learned English and successfully completed his public education. After graduating from Bayview Secondary in Richmond Hill, Pathak did his pharmacology studies at the University of Toronto in a five-year program.
Some 30 years later, a Doctor of Pharmacy is now mandatory.
Pathak recalls doing a clinical rotation internship at Sunnybrook as part of his studies. As part of that experience, he recalls the interactions and collaborations with staff and patients as important training.
A pharmacist can become the link between the doctor and the patient, explaining the safe use of medication and its effects. In some cases, Pathak adds, doctors have to write the diagnosis on the prescription and the pharmacist can then decide what medication to use.
Pathak’s father had a master’s degree in chemistry from an Indian university. Upon arrival in Canada, his father’s degree was not recognized by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
His father obtained a job working for the pharmaceutical company Novopharm. Pathak was able to get a job there when he was in high school. His pharmacy interest was launched.
After his university studies, he got a job in Lindsay working at Maxi Drugs. The owners of the company were interested in establishing pharmacies in smaller areas. Pathak’s uncle in India was a doctor in a small town and another uncle was a doctor in a small African town. Pathak was very open to working in a rural area.
The Maxi Drug people were pleased with his work and Pathak became the pharmacist established in Buckhorn.
After a year, the interest of the original owners waned and Pathak took over. The medical clinic was functioning. The environment was perfect for the pharmacy.
Pathak said he believes Buckhorn is very fortunate to have two doctors when so many areas are underserved, adding that, as the population grows, the pharmacy can always adjust staffing.
The building is old and difficult to expand. He added it would be difficult to build a new building as close to the road as the present one.
Pathak has built the business here based on community relationships. The day-to-day business is local and local support ensures success. Pathak reflects on the challenges of COVID and how the community came together. Volunteers picked up medications for neighbours, demonstrating support for each other. He has seen the population become younger over the past 10 years. Older patients have more complications and it is important to spend more time with each individual.
Pathak’s son graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy where he achieved his Pharm D — Doctor of Pharmacy. We are ready for continued growth.
Easter egg hunt
It is happening on March 30! The Easter Bunny will make an appearance with all kinds of chocolate Easter eggs to be found at the Buckhorn Community Centre. There will be a free pancake breakfast with coffee and hot chocolate from 9 to 11 a.m. The egg hunt starts at 9:30 a.m. Be on time! When the eggs are gone, they are gone.
Many thanks to Griffin’s Greenhouses, whose sponsorship supports the event and includes two spring planters, which will be waiting for your garden, but first your lucky number needs to be drawn.